This week, I speak with Vogue Business about the effects of climate change on the production of luxury fashion in Italy and what actions brands could take to support greater adaptation and resilience in the region.
? In 2015, I wrote the first report on this topic, with fellow authors Helen Crowley, Christine Goulay, Tara Norton, Emilie Prattico, Ph.D and Bryndis Woods, PhD. Co-published by BSR and Kering, "Climate Change: Implications and Strategies for the Luxury Fashion Sector" explores overall climate risks for luxury, does a deep-dive into the effects of climate change on the sector's key raw materials and sets out a resilience agenda for brands, in partnership with suppliers. Ironically, it seems to become more relevant with every passing season.
? As reported in this week's in-depth investigation by Bella Webb, Made in Italy suppliers are struggling with climate shocks - reduced quality and availability of raw and locally processed materials, and floods, hurricanes and other extreme weather that is damaging manufacturing sites and disrupting business to the tune of millions of dollars.
I share some strategies:
? "Brands should be helping their suppliers understand their risks and dependencies and invest in solutions. The more we can mutualise those solutions as an industry, the better. It makes sense for brands reliant on small, family-run suppliers - who make up the bulk of Made in Italy, but are more fragile to climate shocks - to club together."
? "Drive awareness among brand employees that climate shocks will become more frequent and more intense. Demonstrate flexibility if something happens to one of your suppliers. Don't shut down orders or ask for discounts, but be nimble with financing and lead times. Acknowledge that these events could be existentially threatening for suppliers. And use your power as a brand to help de-risk the investments your suppliers are making."
? Of course, these ideas correspond more to an ideal than a reality. But coming together to act and protect livelihoods, heritage and European industries is essential. The danger of inaction is clear: Made in Italy risks being washed away by climate change.
? Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e_CX_CHa
#sustainability #supplychains #luxury #sustainablefashion #sustainableluxury
Please do don't your event at Lac Rosière ?? It's a safe place for the biodiversity, your event will disturb the wild life ?? Grazie mille !